Each week, we explore the waiver wire for players who are not widely rostered but could be valuable for your fantasy hockey teams. As the regular season nears its end and fantasy finals approach, schedule awareness becomes even more critical. The distinction between a regular roster player and a streaming option becomes less clear, heavily depending on player opportunity and game schedules.

For fantasy managers in tight head-to-head matchups, deciding whether to stick with known performers or take a chance on players with more games can be tough. This is especially true for players who are scheduled to play on lighter game nights. While there`s a risk of slightly lowering player quality on some days, those with daily roster flexibility should aim to maximize their lineups, especially on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, which are typically quieter nights in the NHL.

This week, the Minnesota Wild are notably playing on all four of the quieter evenings. They will visit the Devils, Rangers, and Islanders before hosting the Stars on Sunday. Forwards Ryan Hartman and Frederick Gaudreau, along with a defenseman mentioned later, could be valuable additions to your fantasy team, providing points when many other players are idle. Keep an eye on updates regarding Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek, though they are not expected back this week.

Conversely, the New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Toronto Maple Leafs only play twice this week. The Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, and Nashville Predators have three games in the first half of the week before a lighter schedule later. Consider adding players like Calgary`s Matt Coronato early in the week and then swapping them out for more active players from Friday to Sunday. Smart roster management like this can be crucial for winning during the most important weeks of the fantasy season.

Forwards

Jonathan Drouin, F, Colorado Avalanche (1.6 FPPG, 80.0% available): The Avalanche have a favorable schedule this week, playing the Flames and Blackhawks on lighter nights, followed by the Blue Jackets and Blues. Drouin, playing on the top line with Nathan MacKinnon, has been productive recently with a goal and six assists in his last five games, playing significant minutes.

Boone Jenner, F, Columbus Blue Jackets (2.2 FPPG, 54.4% available): Playing alongside Adam Fantilli, Jenner is on a four-game point streak with five goals and one assist on 18 shots. The Blue Jackets, still in playoff contention, will play the Predators and Avalanche at home before road games against Toronto and Ottawa.

Morgan Geekie, F, Boston Bruins (1.6 FPPG, 91.9% available): Geekie is performing well on a line with David Pastrnak, scoring in five of his last six games, along with a couple of assists. The Bruins face the Capitals, Canadiens, Hurricanes, and Sabres this week.

Taylor Hall, F, Carolina Hurricanes (1.4 FPPG, 82.2% available): Hall is on a hot streak with his new team, accumulating seven goals and four assists in his last nine games. He’s a strong pickup for the Hurricanes` busy stretch of three games in four days against the Capitals, Red Wings, and Bruins. His recent fantasy point production is significantly higher than his season average.

Leo Carlsson, F, Anaheim Ducks (1.4 FPPG, 59.9% available): While the Ducks have a better schedule next week, Carlsson, Anaheim`s promising young player, is worth considering now. Since the 4 Nations Faceoff, he has recorded 11 goals and 10 assists in 19 games.

Ryan Donato, F, Chicago Blackhawks (1.8 FPPG, 62.4% available): Donato has had an impressive week for Chicago, scoring six goals and two assists in his last four games, with 14 shots on goal. He`s a good streaming option for Wednesday`s game against the Avalanche, with further games against the Capitals and Penguins later in the week.

Luke Evangelista, F, Nashville Predators(0.9 FPPG, 96.9% available): Consider Evangelista for deep leagues, especially for the Predators` three games in four days early this week. He is currently playing on the top line with Filip Forsberg and Ryan O`Reilly.

Mackie Samoskevich, F, Florida Panthers(1.5 FPPG, 91.3% available): Samoskevich, playing on a scoring line, is in a good position to contribute as the Panthers play games in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and Detroit this week.

See also:

  • William Karlsson, F, Vegas Golden Knights(1.4 FPPG, 60.8% available)

  • Pius Suter, F, Vancouver Canucks(1.4 FPPG, 91.5% available)

  • Mason Marchment, F, Dallas Stars (1.6 FPPG, 72.6% available)

  • Brendan Gallagher, F, Montreal Canadiens (1.3 FPPG, 96.9% available)

Defense

Jared Spurgeon, D, Minnesota Wild(1.8 FPPG, 69.0% available): Spurgeon is a strong pickup this week due to the Wild`s favorable schedule. He contributes in multiple categories, including blocks, shots, assists, and power-play points, averaging 2.1 FPPG over the past month. He is more available than other Wild defensemen like Brock Faber and Jake Middleton.

See also:

  • Jackson LaCombe, D, Anaheim Ducks(1.8 FPPG, 68.1% available)

Goaltenders

Scott Wedgewood, G, Colorado Avalanche (2.6 FPPG, 55.7% available): Wedgewood is likely to start for the Avalanche either Wednesday against Chicago or Thursday against Columbus, offering a good streaming opportunity, especially against the Blackhawks. He has been excellent in his recent starts.

Sam Montembeault, G, Montreal Canadiens (1.6 FPPG, 66.4% available): Montembeault is a riskier option but will get starts for Montreal. After a recent slump, his latest win against Florida was encouraging. He could be a consideration for fantasy managers needing goalie help, with games against the Panthers, Bruins, Flyers, and Predators this week.

Joel Hofer, G, St. Louis Blues (2.0 FPPG, 95.2% available): Hofer is consistently getting starts for the Blues and has been performing very well, allowing few goals in his recent wins. He could start Thursday against the Penguins.

See also:

  • Casey DeSmith, G, Dallas Stars(3.3 FPPG, 94.5% available)